2014 Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Oasis Brands, Inc. Cheese – Recall and Advice

Oasis Brands, Inc. Cheese Recalls and Investigation of Human Listeriosis Cases (Final Update)

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This investigation appears to be over.Listeria monocytogenes infection (listeriosis) is an important cause of illness in the United States. More information about listeriosis, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC Listeria Web Page.

It is possible that consumers could have recalled cheese or dairy products in their homes.

  • Consumers should not eat any of the following recalled cheese or dairy products manufactured or repackaged by Oasis Brands, Inc. with Best By dates of 07/01/14 through 12/31/14:
    • Queso Seco Centroamericano (Dry White Cheese)
    • Queso Seco Olanchano (Dry Cheese)
    • Queso Seco Hondureno (Dry Cheese)
    • Quesito Casero (Fresh Curd)
    • My Queso (Latin Flavor Cheese)
    • Queso Cuzcatlan (Salvadorean Flavor Cheese)
    • Queso para Freir (Cheese for Frying)
    • Queso Fresco (Fresh Cheese)
    • Cuajada en Hoja Queso Casero Hecho a Mano (Fresh Curd)
    • Crema Centroamericana (Soft Blend Dairy Spread)
    • Mantequilla Hondurena (Honduran Style Cream)
    • Crema Nica (Grade A Cultured Cream)
    • HonduCrema Olanchana (Olanchana Style Soft Blend Dairy Spread) Crema Guatemalteca (Guatemalan Style Cream)
    • Crema GuateLinda (Guatemalan Style Cream)
    • Crema Cuzcatlan (Salvadorean Style Cream)
  • Consumers should check their home for these products and throw them away immediately.
    • Even if some of the cheese or dairy product has been eaten without anyone becoming ill, the rest of the cheese or dairy product should be thrown away.

Contaminated cheese or dairy products may still be in consumers’ homes.

Listeria can grow in dairy products at room and refrigerator temperatures. Cross-contamination can also cause Listeria to spread to other dairy products — for example, cheeses that are cut and served on the same cutting board or stored in the same area as contaminated cheese.

Follow these steps if recalled cheese or dairy products made by Oasis Brands, Inc. are or were in your home:

  • Dispose of the cheese or dairy product in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can. This will prevent people and animals from eating it.
  • Wash the dairy product drawer and other areas where the dairy products were stored in the refrigerator with hot water and soap. Sanitize the area with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach added to one gallon of hot water.
  • Wash cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to cut, serve, or store dairy products. If possible, use a dishwasher; otherwise, use hot water and soap, followed by sanitizing with a solution of one tablespoon chlorine bleach added to one gallon of hot water.
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap after completing the cleaning and sanitation process.

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What should I do if I ate recalled cheese or dairy products made by Oasis Brands, Inc.?

  • Consumers who develop a fever after eating recalled cheese or dairy products manufactured by Oasis Brands, Inc. should seek medical care immediately and tell a health care provider about eating a cheese or dairy product that was recalled because of possible Listeria contamination. Although people can sometimes develop listeriosis up to 2 months after eating contaminated food, symptoms usually start within several days.
  • If you have eaten one of the recalled cheese or dairy products and do not have any symptoms, most experts believe that no tests or treatment are needed, even for persons at higher risk for listeriosis.

Who is most at risk?

People at higher risk for illness include:

  • Pregnant women and their newborns,
  • Older adults, and
  • People with weakened immune systems.

For more information about listeriosis and CDC’s recommendations to reduce your risk of getting sick, go to:

Advice to Restaurants and Retailers

Contaminated cheese or dairy products may still be in stores and restaurants.

Listeria can grow in cheese or dairy products at room and refrigerator temperatures. Cross-contamination can also cause Listeria to spread to other dairy products – for example, cheeses that are cut and served on the same cutting board or stored in the same area as contaminated cheese.

Do not sell or serve recalled cheese or dairy products made by Oasis Foods, Inc.

  • Dispose of these cheese or dairy products.
  • Wash and sanitize cheese display cases and refrigerators where contaminated cheese or dairy products were stored.
  • Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to cut, serve, or store contaminated cheese or dairy products.
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

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 Read the full Investigation